Protests against alleged enforced disappearances in Balochistan’s Kech district continued for a third straight day, with families blocking a key stretch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) highway in the Tejaban area. The sit-in has drawn attention to what activists describe as Pakistan’s ongoing failure to address serious human rights abuses in the restive province.

The blockade remained in place after local authorities failed to fulfil promises made during earlier negotiations with demonstrators. Families of the missing said they had briefly called off the protest last week after receiving assurances from the district administration that concrete steps would be taken to trace their relatives, particularly the women who had allegedly been detained.

When no tangible progress followed, protesters returned to the highway, refusing to disperse despite harsh winter conditions. Women and children spent the night in the open amid freezing temperatures, underlining the desperation of families seeking information about their loved ones. The protest centres on the alleged disappearance of four individuals — Hani Baloch, Hair Nisa, Fareed Ijaz and Mujahid Dilwash. Relatives claim that the two women were forcibly taken from Hub Chowki, while the two men were picked up from the Tejaban area of Kech district. One of the women is reportedly eight months pregnant, heightening fears for her health and safety. Families say they have received no official clarification regarding the detentions.

Protesters have also rejected claims circulated by pro-government social media accounts alleging that the missing individuals were linked to planning a suicide attack. Families have dismissed these allegations as unfounded and accused the state of attempting to discredit victims instead of addressing the issue of enforced disappearances.

While much of Pakistan marked the New Year, demonstrators said communities in Balochistan were beginning 2026 on highways, demanding accountability from a state they accuse of repression and indifference. Human rights groups have repeatedly flagged enforced disappearances in Balochistan as a long-standing and deeply sensitive issue, urging Pakistani authorities to end the practice and ensure transparency.

In a statement, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee said families had blocked the CPEC route near Karki in Tejaban despite “extreme cold,” noting that mothers, sisters, elders and children remained on the road demanding the safe return of their relatives. The group said the sit-in would continue until all four individuals are released and called on residents and international humanitarian organisations to take notice of the unfolding situation.